It Begins

The day we have been dreaming about for years has finally arrived.  Last night, while connected with our friends and family on video chat, we opened our big white envelope from Salt Lake City and found two letters addressed to each of us.  We took turns reading each sentence but while I was reading the third sentence, Janice started pumping her arm up and down because she had read ahead.

We are going to Samoa!  Once the screams died down, we found out that we will be reporting to the missionary training center in Auckland, New Zealand on September 20th.  We will be renting a house on the campus of Pesega College in Apia, Samoa.  We will have a car and be working with the 40 teachers in the high school, 19 teachers in the middle school, as well as the teachers in a K-8 school in a remote village a few miles away.  We will be teaching college-level education courses for BYU-Hawaii so the teachers in those schools can obtain their certification.  In order to finish the program, they will also have to pass a college-level English language test which will be Janice's special assignment.

To say we are excited is an understatement.  Sleep was overrated last night so we finally got up early this morning and submitted our acceptance letters and started learning what we will need to do before we go.  There are a few required immunizations (such as typhoid and hepatitis) as well as a list of clothes and supplies that we will need to bring.  I have a luggage problem and will need to get two checked bags large enough to carry 8-10 white shirts, 5-6 ties, 4-6 slacks, several pairs of shoes, 16 pairs of socks, a suit, toiletries, and other personal supplies as well sneaking in a grandchild or two.

We will keep you posted as we make progress towards our takeoff and landing.  We will also try to keep you posted with pictures and events as we arrive and roll up our sleeves and get to work in Samoa.

Talofa!!